10 Dec 1941, Lt. L D KILBEE HKRNVR WAR DIARY Dec 1941

The weather is fine  and clear,  more helpfuI  to the enemy than us. His air force so far has only operated during the day. No naval craft reported so far. 

Managed to get a bath in one of the craft in dock, followed by  a good breakfast.

Left 1st. Lieut. in charge with instructions to check engines, ammo, guns, D.C.s and torpedoes etc. while I pushed off to the office  to see what was doing.

Discussed various points with C.O. and Captain, re efficiency of Flotilla etc.

Orders to destroy certain C.B.s - carried out.

News not too encouraging - we seem to be withdrawing on the mainland. Increased enemy aerial activity. Three boats ordered (including 08) to Naval Yard and report to S.O.O. for instructions. Proceeded via Sulphur Channel. Received following order - “patrol western limit of harbour and approaches to Yaumati Anchorage - prevent movement of junks”

Patrolled for two hours - enemy aircraft active over the Island.  Went alongside "Tern" for a few minutes and then took the opportunity of fueling from the A.P.C. Installation (the last time).

Tried to get some news from our old friend there, but he seemed to know no more than ourselves. Returned to Kowloon naval yard remaining there with No. 10 until 1600 hours.

Had tiffin in the boat, a jolly good one - full marks to the cook. I have a big appetite these days and nothing like a full stomach if one is fighting.       

Enemy guns on the mainland opened up with renewed vigour, with Stonecutters as the target. First salvoes were all over-landing in the seas to the South, but they soon shortened the range and were hitting the gun positions on the west side with monotonous regularity. One shell appeared to make a direct hit, followed immediately by a burst of flame - the fire continued burning for some time.

Enemy planes dive bombing something on the other side of Tsing Yi  Island. It was "Cicala" - for she appeared through Rambler Channel - zig-zagging - being shelled and bombed at the same time. Poor  old  John,   the enemy seem bent on sinking his   ship — he is   putting up a fine show and deserves a decoration. Suddenly all is quiet and once again "Cicala" pulls through - the planes have gone (probably back to their base to re-load) and she seems to be out of range of the guns.

Returned to Aberdeen at 1630 hours, all quiet. 0ff to sea at  dusk, lay close in shore with No. 10 on west side of Poi Toi. Set  watches, W/T watch with No. 10. Had a good supper and discussed war with C.O.

Depressing news came over the air shortly after 2100 hours - the Admiralty announced the sinking of "Prince of Wales" and "Repulse" - a very very sad blow.

Patrolled southward reported searchlight bearing 135° N.E. Head below horizon.

Received signal addressed to Striking Force - “proceed to investigate  suspicious vessel 135° N.E. Head - and attack if enemy war vessel”.

Now for some action - set a course to intercept and proceeded at full throttle. All hands advised to Action Stations - Torpedoes ready to fire - D.C.'s set - guns ready - quite exciting this is what we have been waiting for. Pray God everything works out well.

It's not to be - just received signal - cancelling previous one and return to patrol area - rather an anti-climax.

No more excitement during the night and returned to base at dawn.